Green Cleaning : Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Keeping your home clean is important for your health and wellbeing, but traditional cleaning products can be harmful to the environment. Many common cleaning products contain chemicals that can be toxic to people and pets, and they can also have negative effects on our planet. The good news is that there are many eco-friendly cleaning options available that are just as effective as their traditional counterparts. In this article, we’ll explore some tips for keeping your home clean and eco-friendly, including some DIY options that you can make at home.

1. Use Natural Cleaning Solutions

Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and your health. Natural cleaning solutions are a great alternative that can be just as effective. You can make your own natural cleaning solutions using ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Here are a few DIY recipes to try:

• All-purpose cleaner : Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.
• Glass cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using.

2. Use Reusable Cleaning Tools

Disposable cleaning tools, such as paper towels and disposable wipes, create unnecessary waste. Instead, opt for reusable cleaning tools that can be washed and used again. Here are a few examples:

• Microfiber cloths : These cloths are great for dusting, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning up spills. They can be washed and used again and again.
• Reusable mop pads : Instead of using disposable mop pads, opt for reusable ones that can be washed and reused.

3. Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

If you prefer to buy cleaning products, choose eco-friendly options that are better for the environment. Look for products that are labeled as biodegradable, non-toxic, and free of harsh chemicals. Here are a few examples:

• Seventh Generation: This brand offers a range of eco-friendly cleaning products, including dish soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner.
• Method : Method offers a variety of eco-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and non-toxic.

4. Make Your Own Air Fresheners

Conventional air fresheners often contain synthetic fragrances that can be harmful to your health. You can make your own air fresheners using natural ingredients like essential oils. Here are a few DIY recipes to try:

• Room spray : Mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vodka in a spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of essential oil and shake well before using.
• Reed diffuser : Mix 1/4 cup carrier oil (such as almond or jojoba oil) with 20-30 drops of essential oil in a glass jar. Insert reed diffuser sticks and flip them over every few days to refresh the scent.

5. Use Sustainable Cleaning Tools

In addition to using reusable cleaning tools, you can also choose cleaning tools made from sustainable materials. Here are a few examples:

• Bamboo cleaning brushes : These brushes are made from sustainable bamboo and can be used for scrubbing dishes, cleaning grout, and more.
• Natural fiber scrub brushes : Choose scrub brushes made from natural fibers like coconut or sisal instead of plastic.
• Wooden dish brushes : These brushes are a great alternative to plastic dish brushes and can be composted at the end of their life.

6. Make Your Own Furniture Polish

Most commercial furniture polishes contain petroleum-based solvents and synthetic fragrances that can pollute indoor air and harm the environment. Luckily, making your own furniture polish is easy and inexpensive. All you need is some olive oil, white vinegar, and essential oils (optional).

Here’s how to make a simple furniture polish:

• Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Add a few drops of essential oils (e.g., lemon or lavender) for a pleasant scent.
• Shake the bottle well before use.
• Spray the polish onto a soft cloth and wipe down your furniture.

If you have wood furniture, you can also make a natural wood polish by mixing equal parts of olive oil and beeswax in a double boiler until the beeswax is melted. Once the mixture has cooled, use a soft cloth to apply it to your wood furniture and buff with a clean cloth.

7. Use Natural Air Fresheners

Conventional air fresheners are often loaded with harmful chemicals that can affect indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory problems. Instead of using synthetic air fresheners, opt for natural alternatives that are better for your health and the environment.

Here are a few natural air freshener ideas:

• Essential oils : Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water. You can also add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in your vacuum cleaner bag to spread the scent throughout your home.
• Citrus peels : Save your citrus peels (e.g., lemon, lime, or orange) and simmer them in a pot of water on your stove for a natural, refreshing scent.
• Baking soda : Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, and fabrics to absorb odors. You can also mix baking soda with essential oils for a DIY air freshener.

8. Clean Your Windows with Newspaper

Cleaning your windows with newspaper is an old trick that really works. Not only does it eliminate streaks, but it also reduces waste by using a material that is easily recyclable. To clean your windows with newspaper, simply spray a solution of equal parts water and vinegar onto the glass, then wipe it clean with crumpled newspaper. The newspaper absorbs the solution and leaves your windows sparkling clean !

9. Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Commercial laundry detergents often contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to avoid these chemicals while saving money and reducing waste.

Here’s a simple recipe for making your own laundry detergent:

• Grate a bar of natural soap (e.g., castile soap) into a large bowl.
• Add 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of borax to the bowl and mix well.
• Store the mixture in a jar or other airtight container.
• Use 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent per load of laundry.

You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your homemade laundry detergent for a fresh scent.

Summary

By using these DIY green cleaning tips, you can keep your home clean and fresh without harming the environment or your health. From making your own all-purpose cleaner to using natural air fresheners, these simple changes can have a big impact on the planet. So give them a try and see how easy it is to clean green !

Let us know in the comments if you know more recipe ! And don’t forget to share your own DIY with us using the hashtag #EcoCrafters.